Communication eyewear assembly

ABSTRACT

A frame assembly worn to maintain at least one transparent eye panel in front of a wearer&#39;s eyes. A processor receives an incoming audio signal and wirelessly transmits it to an earpiece which audibly communicates the incoming signal to the wearer. An outbound microphone assembly picks up an outbound audio signal from the wearer and transmits it to the processor which transmits it to a remote recipient. An ambient microphone assembly picks up an ambient audio signal and transmits it to the processor. The processor is structured to enhance the incoming and/or the outbound audio signal based on the ambient audio signal. The processor transmits a voice component of the ambient audio signal to the earpiece. A camera assembly picks up an outbound visual signal and transmits it to the processor which further transmits it to a remote recipient. A display assembly displays an incoming visual signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a communication eyewear assemblythat is structured be worn on a person's head so as to protect theperson's eyes and also to permit hands-free wireless multimediacommunication. The communication eyewear assembly is additionallystructured to facilitate such communication in a noisy environment. Inparticular, the assembly is structured to enhance incoming and/oroutgoing audio signals to overcome the inherent difficulties presentedby ambient noise. Moreover, the assembly is structured to permit thewearer to hear others speaking directly to the wearer without having tofirst remove or otherwise manually adjust the fit of the assembly.

2. Description of the Related Art

The use of eyewear, particularly protective eyewear, such as sunglassesor safety glasses, has achieved near universal adoption by modernsociety. So too has the use of various types of communication devices,such as radios, telephones, personal digital assistants, portable musicplayers, etc. More recently, attempts have been made to combine certainfeatures of each of these types of equipment to address the needs ofpersons who require both eye protection and audiovisual communicability,such as people working in industrial, mining, construction, or militarysettings. However, despite some progress in the art, currenttechnologies have failed to address many significant challenges.

One problem with current devices is that the speakers or earphones,etc., are physically connected to the rest of the device. In some cases,this can be extremely inconvenient in terms of comfort, as it can bedifficult or even impossible to adjust or position the eye protectioncomponents independently from the speakers or earphones. In other cases,the listening mechanisms are connected to the rest of the device bysound transmitting cords. Although such cords may permit someindependent adjustment, they are also prone to getting snagged ortangled, and are thus susceptible to damage.

Moreover, although it would appear preferable in some cases to provide acommunication eyewear assembly that comprises wireless earphones, thishas not been a practical option. For example, existing pairs of wirelessearphones are physically connected to one another, which inhibitsindependent adjustment of the earphones and creates similar comfort andclutter issues to those described above. Further still, existingwireless earphones, such as those commonly used in conjunction withcellular telephones, are structured to directly receive and transmitvoice communication signals, requiring the use of high powertransceivers and other bulky components. Thus, for a variety of reasons,such technology is not adaptable for use with communication eyewear. Itwould therefore be advantageous to provide a communication eyewearassembly that comprises wireless earphones which do not require highpower transceivers or other bulky components, and which are not tetheredto each other.

Another problem with current devices is that they lack adequate measuresfor dealing with the effects of operating in noisy environments in thatthe background noise of such environments inhibits effectivecommunication. For instance, when an incoming voice signal or musicsignal is communicated to a wearer of communications equipment in anoisy environment, the ambient noise can drown out or interfere with thesounds produced by the headphones, earphones, etc. It would therefore beadvantageous to provide for a communication eyewear assembly that isstructured to overcome the inherent difficulties presented by ambientnoise.

Similarly, when a wearer of communications equipment speaks into amicrophone, the proximity of the wearer's mouth is the principal factorin determining the quality of the voice signal being communicated.However, there can be significant amounts of background noise picked upin loud environment, to the point where the wearer's voice isunintelligible over the background noise, no matter how close theperson's mouth is to the microphone. As such, it would also bebeneficial to provide for a communication eyewear assembly that isstructured to overcome such difficulties presented by ambient noise.

Yet another problem arises when another person in proximity to thewearer speaks directly to the user in a loud environment without the aidof another communication device. In such instances, the wearer mustremove at least their headphones, earphones, ear plugs, etc., in orderto hear the other person speak. In some cases, the wearer must alsoremove their eye protection, especially in cases where the earphones,etc. are attached in some manner to the eye protection. This is not onlyinconvenient, but it can also be potentially dangerous in that thewearer's ears and/or eyes will be exposed to the ambient, perhapshazardous, environment. It would therefore be advantageous to provide acommunication eyewear assembly that is structured primarily to be wornon a person's head and that, in addition to permitting hands-freewireless multimedia communication, permits the wearer to hear othersspeaking directly to the wearer without having to first remove orotherwise manually adjust the fit of the assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed towards a communication eyewearassembly which is structured to be worn on a person's head so as toprotect the person's eyes and also to permit hands-free multimediawireless communication. The communication eyewear assembly isadditionally structured to facilitate such communication in a noisyenvironment. In particular, the assembly is structured to enhanceincoming and/or outgoing audio signals to overcome the inherentdifficulties presented by the ambient noise of such environments.Moreover, the assembly is structured to permit the wearer to hear othersspeaking directly to the wearer without having to first remove orotherwise manually adjust the fit of the assembly.

In at least one embodiment, the communication eyewear assembly comprisesa frame assembly which is structured to be worn on a person's head.Accordingly, the frame assembly is structured to be supportably disposedon the wearer so as to maintain at least one substantially transparenteye panel in a generally shielding position in front of the wearer'seyes. In one such embodiment, the frame assembly comprises a front framemember and two eye panels coupled thereto. In a further embodiment, theframe assembly additionally comprises a pair of legs structured toeffectively retain and position the front frame member in front of thewearer's eyes.

For applications where it is desirable to reduce the brightness of lightperceived by the wearer's eyes, the eye panels can be tinted. Forapplications where it is desirable to reduce the amount of harmfulwavelengths of light reaching the wearer's eyes, the eye panels caninclude ultraviolet protection such as UV coatings. The eye panels canalso be polarized for protective purposes and/or for viewing enhancementpurposes. The eye panels can also comprise prescription lenses. In atleast one embodiment, the eye panels can also comprise a shatterproofmaterial of construction for additional protection in the event ofsignificant impact to the eye panels by a foreign object.

The communication eyewear assembly further comprises a processor whichis coupled to the frame assembly. The processor is structured anddisposed to receive an incoming audio signal, typically from a remotelocation. In one embodiment, the incoming audio signal comprisesreal-time voice data, such as from another person with whom the weareris communicating. In another embodiment, the incoming audio signalcomprises music data, such as from a remotely stored and transmittedmusic file. The processor is further structured and disposed to transmitan outbound audio signal to another entity, such as real-time voice datafrom the wearer to another person with whom the wearer is communicating.

The communication eyewear assembly also comprises a power supplystructured and disposed to provide power to the processor. The powersupply can also be structured to supply power to other components of theassembly. The power supply can also be rechargeable. For example, in oneembodiment, the power supply comprises a rechargeable battery pack thatcan be charged by an external power source that has been removablycoupled to the assembly.

The communication eyewear assembly additionally comprises at least oneearpiece structured to be disposed in wireless communication with theprocessor and further structured to be disposed at one of the wearer'sears. As such, the processor retransmits the received incoming audiosignal to at least one earpiece, which in turn communicates the incomingaudio signal to the wearer via a speaker assembly. In a furtherembodiment, the communication eyewear assembly comprises two earpieces,each of which is structured to be disposed at a different one of thewearer's ears. In a still further embodiment, the earpieces areadditionally structured to substantially muffle ambient noise, furtherfacilitating communication.

In yet another embodiment, the earpieces are structured to be removablysecured to the frame assembly for storage. In one embodiment, eachearpiece comprises a clip structured to removably secure the earpiece tothe frame assembly when the earpiece is not in use. The earpiece and theframe assembly can also be cooperatively structured to charge arechargeable earpiece power supply when the earpiece is disposed in astored orientation.

In at least one embodiment, the communication eyewear assembly isfurther structured to enhance the incoming audio signal based on anambient audio signal. By way of example, the ambient audio signal willtypically comprise the background sounds generated by the surroundingenvironment. As such, an ambient microphone assembly is disposed andstructured to pick up an ambient audio signal and transmit the ambientaudio signal to the processor. In one embodiment, the ambient microphoneassembly is coupled to the earpiece. In another embodiment, the ambientmicrophone assembly is coupled to the frame assembly. Accordingly, theprocessor is further structured to enhance the incoming audio signalbased on the ambient audio signal. For example, in one embodiment, theprocessor is structured to adjust a volume level of the incoming audiosignal relative to a volume level of the ambient audio signal.

The communication eyewear assembly further comprises an outboundmicrophone assembly disposed and structured to pick up an outbound audiosignal from the wearer and transmit the outbound audio signal to theprocessor. The processor is structured transmit to another entity theoutbound audio signal received from the outbound microphone assembly.The processor is also structured to enhance the outbound audio signalbased on the ambient audio signal. In at least one embodiment, theprocessor is structured to strengthen the outbound audio signal relativeto the ambient audio signal. More specifically, the processor isstructured to reduce an ambient noise component of the outbound audiosignal and strengthen the voice component of the outbound audio signalbased on the characteristics of the ambient audio signal.

The processor is further structured to identify a voice component of theambient audio signal which has been picked up by the ambient microphoneassembly and sent to the processor. This can occur, for example, whenanother person speaks directly to the wearer without using anothercommunication device. As such, the processor is further structured totransmit the identified voice component of the ambient signal to atleast one earpiece. Accordingly, the wearer can listen to the otherperson's direct verbal communication without having to first remove orotherwise manually adjust the fit of the communication eyewear assembly.In a further embodiment, such as in a high noise environment wherein theother person directs their speech toward a specific one of the wearer'searpieces, the processor is further structured to transmit theidentified voice component to the corresponding earpiece.

The communication eyewear assembly additionally comprises a cameraassembly disposed and structured to pick up an outbound visual signal,which may comprise image data and/or video data. Because the assembly isworn on a wearer's head, the outbound visual signal will typicallyreflect the view as seen from the wearer's perspective, although otherviews may also be captured including, but not limited to, views directedbehind the wearer. As with the other aforementioned multimediacomponents, the camera assembly is further structured to transmit theoutbound visual signal to the processor. Accordingly, the processor isstructured to transmit to another entity the outbound visual signalreceived from the camera assembly.

The processor is also structured to receive an incoming visual signalfrom a remote location. For instance, the incoming visual signal maycomprise image data and/or video data, such as pictures or movies from aremotely stored and transmitted data file. As such, the communicationeyewear assembly further comprises a display assembly disposed andstructured to display the incoming visual signal received by theprocessor. More specifically, the display assembly includes at least onedisplay unit disposed and structured to display the incoming visualsignal to the wearer.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detaileddescription are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a communicationeyewear assembly in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a transceiverconfiguration in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of an audio signalenhancement configuration in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross section view of one embodiment of an earpiece inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of acommunication eyewear assembly in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross section view of another embodiment of an earpiece inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of earpiece clipsoperatively disposed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of one embodiment of earpiececharging contacts in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a communication eyewear assemblyhaving a display assembly which includes two different types of displayunits.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown throughout the accompanying figures, the present invention isdirected towards a communication eyewear assembly generally indicated as10.

The communication eyewear assembly 10 is structured to be worn on aperson's head so as to protect the person's eyes and also to permithands-free wireless multimedia communication. The communication eyewearassembly 10 is additionally structured to facilitate such communicationin a noisy environment, such as that of a loud, industrial environment,or that found in a variety of other situations, such as, but not limitedto, military operations, fire and rescue operations, public safetyoperations, sports activities, etc. In particular, the assembly 10 isstructured to enhance incoming and/or outgoing audio signals to overcomethe inherent difficulties presented by the ambient noise of suchenvironments. Moreover, the assembly 10 is structured to permit thewearer to hear others speaking directly to the wearer without having tofirst remove or otherwise manually adjust the fit of the assembly.

As seen in FIG. 1, the communication eyewear assembly 10 comprises aframe assembly 20 which is structured to be worn on a person's head.Accordingly, the frame assembly 20 is structured to be supportablydisposed on the wearer so as to maintain at least one substantiallytransparent eye panel 25 in a generally shielding position in front ofthe wearer's eyes.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the frame assembly 20 comprises a frontframe member 21 and two eye panels 25 coupled thereto. In thisembodiment, each eye panel 25 is structured to substantially shield thefront of a different corresponding eye of the wearer while alsopermitting clear vision therethrough.

For applications where it is desirable to reduce the brightness of lightperceived by the wearer's eyes, the eye panels 25 can be tinted. Forapplications where it is desirable to reduce the amount of harmfulwavelengths of light reaching the wearer's eyes, the eye panels 25 caninclude ultraviolet protection such as UV coatings. The eye panels 25can also be polarized for protective purposes and/or for viewingenhancement purposes. The eye panels 25 can also comprise prescriptionlenses. In at least one embodiment, the eye panels 25 can also comprisea shatterproof material of construction for additional protection in theevent of significant impact to the eye panels 25 by a foreign object.

The frame assembly 20 further comprises at least one leg 23, 24structured to effectively retain and position the front frame member 21in front of the wearer's eyes during activity of the wearer. In theembodiment of FIG. 1, the frame assembly 20 comprises a first leg 23 anda second leg 24, each leg 23, 24 structured to extend from oppositesides of the front frame member 21 towards a rear thereof. The legs 23,24 are disposed in a generally perpendicular relation to the front framemember 21 so as to extend over and grip the wearer's ears when the frontframe member 21 is operatively disposed in front of the wearer's eyes.

In at least one embodiment, the frame assembly 20 further comprises pairof side eye panels 27. Each side eye panel 27 is disposed and structuredto substantially shield a different eye of the wearer. Moreover, theside eye panels 27 can be further structured to permit clear peripheralvision therethrough. As shown in FIG. 1, in at least one embodiment, theside eye panels 27 are each coupled to a different leg 23, 24. As withthe eye panels 25, the side eye panels 27 can be tinted, UV coated,and/or polarized. The side eye panels 27 can also comprise ashatterproof material of construction.

Turning now to the communication aspects of the present invention, thecommunication eyewear assembly 10 provides for wireless communicationbetween a wearer and other entities, such as, but not limited to, otherwearers, control stations, broadcast stations, etc. By way of example,the wireless communication could involve a wearer located on a factoryfloor communicating with a manager located in a control station. Asanother example, the wireless communication could involve the wearerlistening to music being broadcast from a broadcast station. Of course,these examples are meant for illustrative purposes only, as the presentinvention can apply to a variety of other applications andcircumstances.

Accordingly, the communication eyewear assembly 10 comprises a processor40 which is coupled to the frame assembly 20. The processor 40 isstructured and disposed to receive an incoming audio signal, typicallyfrom a remote location. For example, in one embodiment, the incomingaudio signal comprises real-time voice data, such as from another personwith whom the wearer is communicating. In another embodiment, theincoming audio signal comprises music data, such as from a remotelystored and transmitted music file. The processor 40 is furtherstructured and disposed to transmit an outbound audio signal to anotherentity, such as real-time voice data from the wearer to another personwith whom the wearer is communicating. Further details of the multimediacommunication capabilities of the processor 40, including the incomingand outbound visual signals, are discussed in more detail below.

In at least one embodiment, the processor 40 is structured and disposedto fit inside of the frame assembly 20. For example, in the embodimentof FIG. 1, the processor 40 is disposed inside of the first leg 23. Itshould be noted, however, that it is within the scope and intent of thepresent invention that the processor 40 can be structured and disposedto fit inside of other portions of the frame assembly 20, including, butnot limited to, the second leg 24, the front frame member 21, etc.

The communication eyewear assembly 10 further comprises a power supply90 structured and disposed to provide power to the processor 40. Thepower supply 90 can also be structured to supply power to othercomponents of the assembly 10. In at least one embodiment, the powersupply 90 is structured and disposed to fit inside of the frame assembly20. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the power supply 90 isdisposable inside of the second leg 24. It should be noted, however,that it is within the scope and intent of the present invention that thepower supply 90 can be structured and disposed to fit inside of otherportions of the frame assembly 20, including, but not limited to, thefirst leg 23, the front frame member 21, etc. The power supply 90 canalso be rechargeable. For example, in one embodiment, the power supply90 comprises a rechargeable battery pack that can be charged by anexternal power source that has been removably coupled to the assembly10.

The communication eyewear assembly 10 further comprises at least oneearpiece 60 structured to be disposed in wireless communication with theprocessor 40 and further structured to be disposed at one of thewearer's ears. As such, the processor 40 retransmits the receivedincoming audio signal to at least one earpiece 60, which in turncommunicates the incoming audio signal to the wearer. With specificreference to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the communication eyewearassembly 10 comprises two earpieces 60, each of which are structured tobe disposed at a different one of the wearer's ears. Moreover, in theembodiment of FIG. 1, the earpieces 60 are further structured to be atleast partially inserted into the wearer's ears when disposed in theirrespective operative orientations.

With regard to inter-component connectivity as well as remoteconnectivity, the processor 40 comprises at least one transceiverstructured to facilitate wireless communication. For example, withreference to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the processor 40 comprises afirst transceiver 42 and a second transceiver 44. The first transceiver42 is structured to receive an incoming audio and/or visual signal froma remote source, and is also structured to transmit an outbound audioand/or visual signal to a remote destination. In at least oneembodiment, the first transceiver utilizes radio frequencycommunication. It is, however, within the scope and intent of thepresent invention that other suitable wireless technologies may also beutilized. The outbound audio signal will ordinarily correspond to thewearer's voice which has been picked up by an outbound microphoneassembly 70, such as the one shown in FIG. 1 and described in greaterdetail below. Similarly, the outbound visual signal will ordinarilycorrespond to an image captured by a camera assembly 103, also describedin greater detail below.

The second transceiver 44 is structured to wirelessly communicate withthe earpieces 60. In one embodiment, the second transceiver utilizesradio frequency communication technology. In another embodiment, thesecond transceiver utilizes magnetic induction communication technology.It is, however, within the scope and intent of the present inventionthat other suitable wireless technologies may also be utilized. In analternative embodiment, the processor 40 comprises a single transceiverstructured to communicate with remote entities as well as with theearpieces 60.

In addition, each earpiece 60 comprises an earpiece transceiver 64structured to facilitate communication with the processor 40. Forexample, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the earpiece transceivers 64 areeach disposed in wireless communication with the second transceiver 44.In such an embodiment, the specific communication technology of theearpiece transceivers 64 matches that of the second transceiver 44, suchas, but not limited to, radio frequency technology, magnetic inductiontechnology, etc. In a further embodiment, each earpiece transceiver 64is uniquely identifiable by the processor 40. For example, in one suchembodiment, each earpiece transceiver 64 comprises a unique signature,such as a radio or magnetic identification, which is recognizable by theprocessor 40. Accordingly, the processor 40 can transmit differentcontent to each earpiece transceiver 64. For instance, in oneembodiment, the processor 40 can transmit a first stereo music channelcomponent of the incoming audio signal to one identified earpiecetransceiver 64, and transmit a second stereo music channel component ofthe incoming audio signal to the other identified earpiece transceiver64.

With reference now to FIGS. 3-6, in at least one embodiment, thecommunication eyewear assembly 10 is further structured to enhance theincoming audio signal based on an ambient audio signal. By way ofexample, the ambient audio signal will typically comprise the backgroundsounds generated by the surrounding environment. As such, an ambientmicrophone assembly 75 is disposed and structured to pick up an ambientaudio signal and transmit the ambient audio signal to the processor 40.In at least one embodiment, the ambient microphone assembly 75 iscoupled to the earpiece 60. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4,the ambient microphone assembly 75 comprises an earpiece microphoneassembly 66 disposed and structured to pick up an ambient audio signaland transmit the ambient audio signal to the processor 40. As anotherexample, the ambient microphone assembly 75 can comprise one or moreframe microphone assemblies 76, such as those described in more detailin FIG. 5, below.

Accordingly, the processor 40 is further structured to enhance theincoming audio signal based on the ambient audio signal, and to transmitthe enhanced incoming audio signal to the earpiece 60. For example, inthe embodiment of FIG. 3, the processor 40 includes a volume adjustmentcircuit 45 structured to adjust a volume level of the incoming audiosignal relative to a volume level of the ambient audio signal. In afurther embodiment including two earpieces 60, each disposed at adifferent one of the wearer's ears, the processor 40 is furtherstructured to independently adjust the volume level of the incomingaudio signal transmitted to each earpiece relative to the volume levelof the ambient audio signal picked up from each respective side of thewearer.

Turning in more detail to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the earpiece 60further comprises a speaker assembly 68 structured and disposed toaudibly communicate the enhanced incoming audio signal to the wearer. Inthis embodiment, the speaker assembly 68 is structured to be at leastpartially inserted into the ear of the wearer when disposed in anoperative orientation.

The earpiece 60 is additionally structured to substantially muffleambient noise, further facilitating communication. As shown in theembodiment of FIG. 4, at least a portion of the earpiece 60 isstructured to be inserted into the wearer's ear so as to substantiallymuffle the ambient noise. More specifically, the earpiece 60 of FIG. 4additionally comprises a disposable insert 62 structured tosubstantially muffle the ambient noise. The disposable insert 62 can beformed, for instance, from a sound-deadening, compressible material,such as high density foam, although a variety of other suitablematerials may also be utilized. For at least sanitary purposes, thedisposable insert 62 can be discarded and replaced after use.

Also depicted in FIG. 4 is the earpiece transceiver 64, which iscommunicatively coupled to both the speaker assembly 68 and the earpiecemicrophone assembly 66. The earpiece transceiver 64 is structured tofacilitate communication between the respective earpiece components 66,68 and the processor 40.

The earpiece 60 further comprises an earpiece power supply 92 structuredand disposed to provide power to the speaker assembly 68 and theearpiece microphone assembly 66, as well as to the earpiece transceiver64. In at least one embodiment, the earpiece power supply 92 can berechargeable.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the communication eyewear assembly 10 furthercomprises an outbound microphone assembly 70 disposed and structured topick up an outbound audio signal from the wearer and transmit theoutbound audio signal to the processor 40. For instance, in theembodiment of FIG. 1, the outbound microphone assembly 70 comprises anadjustable elongate segment 71 which extends from the first leg 23 ofthe frame assembly 20. The adjustable elongate segment 71 is structuredto permit adjustment of the microphone assembly 70 in front of thewearer's mouth to better pick up the outbound audio signal, which, in atleast one embodiment, comprises real-time voice data of the wearer'sspoken voice. In this embodiment, the outbound microphone assembly 70 isin disposed in wired communication with the processor 40. However, inanother embodiment, the outbound microphone assembly 70 can be disposedin wireless communication with the processor 40, such as with the secondtransceiver 44.

As indicated above, the processor 40 is structured to transmit toanother entity the outbound audio signal received from the outboundmicrophone assembly 70. Moreover, the processor 40 is additionallystructured to enhance the outbound audio signal based on the ambientaudio signal, and further structured and disposed to transmit theenhanced outbound audio signal to another entity. For example, becausethe outbound signal can be generated in the same environment as theambient signal, the outbound audio signal, itself, may comprise someambient noise in addition to the wearer's voice. As such, in at leastone embodiment, the processor 40 is structured to strengthen theoutbound audio signal relative to the ambient audio signal. Morespecifically, and as seen in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the processor 40includes a signal strengthening circuit 47 structured to reduce anambient noise component of the outbound audio signal and strengthen thevoice component of the outbound audio signal based on thecharacteristics of the ambient audio signal. In a further embodimentwherein two earpieces 60 are each disposed at a different one of thewearer's ears, the processor 40 can be additionally structured toenhance the outbound audio signal based on the ambient audio signalpicked up from each respective side of the wearer.

Referring now to some additional operational capabilities of thecommunication eyewear assembly 10, in at least one embodiment, theprocessor 40 is further structured to identify a voice component of theambient audio signal which has been picked up by the ambient microphoneassembly 75 and sent to the processor 40. This can occur, for example,when another person speaks directly to the wearer without using anothercommunication device. For instance, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, theprocessor 40 includes a voice identification circuit 46 structured toidentify a voice component of the ambient audio signal. As such, theprocessor 40 is further structured to transmit the identified voicecomponent of the ambient signal to at least one earpiece 60 to audiblycommunicate the voice component of the ambient audio signal to thewearer via the speaker assembly 68. Accordingly, the wearer can listento the other person's direct verbal communication without having tofirst remove or otherwise manually adjust the fit of the communicationeyewear assembly 10. In a further embodiment, such as in a high noiseenvironment wherein the other person directs their speech toward aspecific one of the wearer's earpieces 60, the processor 40 is furtherstructured to transmit the identified voice component to thecorresponding earpiece 60.

The processor 40 can also be structured to pause the enhancement of atleast one type of audio signal upon identification of the voicecomponent of the ambient audio signal. For example, in one embodiment,the processor 40 is structured to pause the enhancement of the incomingaudio signal when the voice component of the ambient audio signal isidentified so that the processor 40 can transmit the voice component ofthe ambient signal to the earpiece 60 instead of transmitting anenhanced incoming audio signal to the earpiece 60.

In a still further embodiment, the processor 40 is structured to resumethe enhancement of at least one type of audio signal after theenhancement has been paused. For instance, in one embodiment, theprocessor 40 is structured to resume the enhancement of the incomingaudio signal upon disappearance of the voice component of the ambientaudio signal. This can occur, for example, when the other person stopsspeaking, thus causing the voice component of the ambient audio signalto disappear. In another embodiment, the processor 40 is structured toresume the enhancement of the incoming audio signal after apredetermined period of time. As just one example, the predeterminedperiod of time could comprise about five (5) seconds, although it iswithin the scope and intent of the present invention that a variety ofother suitable periods of time could also be utilized. In yet anotherembodiment, the processor 40 is structured to resume the enhancement ofthe incoming audio signal upon receipt of an outbound audio signal, suchas that of the wearer's voice. In still another embodiment, theprocessor 40 is structured to resume the enhancement of the incomingaudio signal upon engagement of an audio enhancement switch 80,discussed next.

With reference again to FIG. 1, the communication eyewear assembly 10further comprises an audio enhancement switch 80. The audio enhancementswitch is structured and disposed to permit selective control of atleast one type of audio signal enhancement performed by the processor40. More specifically, the audio enhancement switch 80 is disposed incommunication with the processor 40 and structured to pause and/orresume the audio enhancement performed by the processor 40. In oneembodiment, the audio enhancement switch 80 can be structured to controlthe enhancement of the incoming audio signal. In another embodiment, theaudio enhancement switch 80 can be structured to control the enhancementof the outbound audio signal.

The audio enhancement switch 80 can be disposed in a variety of suitablelocations, such as on the frame assembly 20 or on at least one of theearpieces 60. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, for instance, the audioenhancement switch 80 is disposed on the first leg 23. In addition, theaudio enhancement switch 80 depicted in FIG. 1 comprises a touchsensitive configuration such that the audio enhancement switch 80 isengaged and/or disengaged by the wearer's touch. It is, however, withinthe scope and intent of the present invention that the audio enhancementswitch 80 may also utilize other configurations including, but notlimited to, toggles, push buttons, rockers, etc.

Turning to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the communication eyewearassembly 10 is depicted wherein the ambient microphone assembly 75 iscoupled to the frame assembly 20. Specifically, in the embodiment ofFIG. 5, the ambient microphone assembly 75 comprises two framemicrophone assemblies 76 each disposed on a different side of the frontframe member 21. As with the earpiece microphone assemblies 66,discussed above, the frame microphone assemblies 76 are disposed andstructured to pick up an ambient audio signal and transmit the ambientaudio signal to the processor 40. Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 5,a distance of several inches, preferably about four to five inches(4″-5″), which separates the frame microphone assemblies 76 from oneanother provides sufficient separation such that disparate sources ofsound can be geometrically differentiated by the processor 40 based onthe variations in the audio signals picked up by each individual framemicrophone assembly 76. In this embodiment, the frame microphoneassemblies 76 are in disposed in wired communication with the processor40. However, in another embodiment, the frame microphone assemblies 76can be disposed in wireless communication with the processor 40, such aswith the second transceiver 44. It should also be noted that, in otherembodiments, the ambient microphone assembly 75 could comprise othernumbers of frame microphone assemblies 76, including, for example, justa single frame microphone assembly 76. Moreover, in other embodiments,the frame microphone assemblies 76 can also be disposed at othersuitable locations, such as on the legs 23, 24, or elsewhere.

Furthermore, and as shown in FIG. 6, the earpieces 60′ utilized with theembodiment of FIG. 5 do not need to include any earpiece microphoneassemblies 66, as the frame microphone assemblies 76 are structured toperform substantially the same functions as the earpiece microphoneassemblies 66. However, in still other embodiments, the ambientmicrophone assembly 75 could comprise any combination of framemicrophone assemblies 76 and earpiece microphone assemblies 66.

With reference now to FIGS. 4, 6, 7, and 8, in at least one embodiment,the earpieces 60 are further structured to be removably secured to theframe assembly 20 for storage. As seen in FIG. 7, each earpiece 60comprises a clip 69 structured to removably secure the earpiece 60 tothe frame assembly 20 when the earpiece 60 is not in use. In theembodiment of FIG. 7, the two earpieces 60 are removably secured to thefirst leg 23, each disposed in a stored orientation. It is within thescope and intent of the present invention, however, that the earpieces60 may also be removably secured to other portions of the frameassembly, including, but not limited to, the second leg 24, the frontframe member 21, etc.

In a further embodiment, the earpiece 60 and the frame assembly 20 arecooperatively structured to charge a rechargeable earpiece power supply92 when the earpiece 60 is disposed in a stored orientation. In at leastone such embodiment, one or more charging contacts 28 are disposed onthe frame assembly 20 and structured to facilitate the charging of theearpiece power supply 92. For example, in the embodiment depicted inFIG. 8, two charging contacts 28 are disposed on the first leg 23 suchthat when the earpieces 60 are disposed in the stored orientation ofFIG. 7, contact between the charging contacts 28 and the respectiveearpieces 60 facilitates charging of the respective earpiece powersupplies 92. In one such embodiment, the earpiece power supplies 92 arecharged by the main power supply 90 of the assembly 10. In anotherembodiment, the earpiece power supplies 92 can also be charged by anexternal power source that has been removably coupled to the assembly10.

Turning now to some additional aspects of the present inventioninvolving visual communication, the assembly 10 further includes acamera assembly 103 disposed and structured to pick up an outboundvisual signal, which may comprise image data and/or video data.Referring again to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the camera assembly 103comprises a single camera 105 disposed on a central area of the frontframe member 21 and facing towards a field of view from the wearer'sperspective. It should be noted, however, that it is within the scopeand intent of the present invention that a plurality of cameras 105 maybe utilized, and further, that one or more cameras 105 may be disposedon a variety of other suitable portions of the assembly 10, including,but not limited to, other positions on the front frame member, on thelegs 23, 24, etc. Because the assembly 10 is worn on a wearer's head,the outbound visual signal will typically reflect the view as seen fromthe wearer's perspective, although other views may also be capturedincluding, but not limited to, views directed behind the wearer.Further, the camera assembly 103 will typically pick up visual signalsin the visible spectrum. However, in a further embodiment, the cameraassembly 103 can pick up visual signals in other spectra, including, butnot limited to, the infrared spectrum.

As with the other aforementioned multimedia components, the cameraassembly 103 is further structured to transmit the outbound visualsignal to the processor 40. Accordingly, the processor 40 is structuredto transmit to another entity the outbound visual signal received fromthe camera assembly 103.

The processor 40 is also structured to receive an incoming visual signalfrom a remote location. For instance, the incoming visual signal maycomprise image data and/or video data, such as pictures or movies from aremotely stored and transmitted data file. As such, the assembly 10further comprises a display assembly 22 disposed and structured todisplay the incoming visual signal received by the processor 40. Morespecifically, the display assembly 22 includes at least one display unit26 disposed and structured to display the incoming visual signal to thewearer. For example, with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1, thedisplay assembly 22 comprises a single display unit 26 which is at leastpartially disposed on an exterior surface of one of the eye panels 25.The display unit 26 is further structured to project an image of thereceived incoming visual signal towards the wearer's eye. In anotherembodiment, the display unit 26 is structured to project an image of thereceived incoming visual signal onto the eye panel 25 such that thewearer's eye can perceive the displayed visual signal as emanating fromthe interior and/or exterior surface of the eye panel 25. Although theembodiment of FIG. 1 depicts the display unit 26 positioned on theexterior surface of the eye panel 25, the display unit 26 mayalternatively be disposed on the interior surface of the eye panel 25,or within the eye panel 25.

In a further embodiment, the display assembly 22 includes at least onedisplay unit 26 corresponding to each eye panel 25. For instance, theembodiment of FIG. 9 depicts two other variations of the display unit26′, 26″, each coupled to a respective eye panel 25. As depicted, afirst display unit 26′ is disposed on the interior surface of one eyepanel 25, and is further structured to display the incoming visualsignal in a partial field of vision defined by the eye panel 25. Thesecond display unit 26″ is disposed within the other eye panel 25′, andis further structured to display the incoming visual signal insubstantially the entire field of vision defined by the eye panel 25′.

With regard to the construction of the display unit 26, the display unit26 may comprise a variety of suitable materials and structures. Forexample, the display unit 26 may comprise flat panel display technology,such as, but not limited to, liquid crystal display (LCD) technology,organic light emitting diode (OLED) display technology, etc. Moreover,the display unit 26 can be further structured to at least partiallycorrespond to the contour of the eye panel 25.

The display unit 26 can be additionally structured to maintain asubstantially transparent state until receipt of the incoming visualsignal from the processor 40, whereupon the display unit 26 will displaythe visual signal accordingly. In one such embodiment, the display ofthe incoming visual signal is physically triggered by an electricalinput received by the display unit 26 from the processor 40.

Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Now that the invention has been described,

1. A communication eyewear assembly comprising: a frame assembly; atleast one substantially transparent eye panel coupled to said frameassembly; said frame assembly structured to be supportably disposed on awearer so as to maintain said at least one eye panel disposed in agenerally shielding position in front of the wearer's eyes; a processorcoupled to said frame assembly, said processor structured and disposedto receive an incoming audio signal; at least one earpiece structured tobe disposed in wireless communication with said processor and furtherstructured to be disposed at one of the wearer's ears; said at least oneearpiece further comprising a rechargeable earpiece power supplystructured and disposed to provide power to at least said speakerassembly, and wherein said earpiece and said frame assembly arestructured to be clipped to one another to define a stored orientationand are cooperatively structured to charge said rechargeable earpiecepower supply when said at least one earpiece is disposed in said storedorientation; said processor further structured to transmit said incomingaudio signal to said at least one earpiece; said at least one earpiecefurther comprising a speaker assembly structured and disposed to audiblycommunicate said incoming audio signal to the wearer; an outboundmicrophone assembly disposed and structured to pick up an outbound audiosignal from the wearer and transmit said outbound audio signal to saidprocessor; said processor further structured and disposed to transmitsaid outbound signal; and an ambient microphone assembly disposed andstructured to pick up an ambient audio signal and transmit said ambientaudio signal to said processor.
 2. An assembly as recited in claim 1wherein said processor is further structured to enhance said incomingaudio signal based on said ambient audio signal.
 3. An assembly asrecited in claim 2 wherein said processor is structured to adjust avolume level of said incoming audio signal relative to a volume level ofsaid ambient audio signal.
 4. An assembly as recited in claim 1 whereinsaid processor is further structured to enhance said outbound audiosignal based on said ambient audio signal.
 5. An assembly as recited inclaim 4 wherein said processor is structured to strengthen said outboundaudio signal relative to said ambient audio signal.
 6. An assembly asrecited in claim 1 wherein said ambient microphone assembly is coupledto said at least one earpiece.
 7. An assembly as recited in claim 1wherein said ambient microphone assembly is coupled to said frameassembly.
 8. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said at least oneearpiece is further structured to substantially muffle ambient noise. 9.An assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein at least a portion of said atleast one earpiece is structured to be inserted into the wearer's ear soas to substantially muffle ambient noise.
 10. An assembly as recited inclaim 9 wherein said at least one earpiece comprises a disposable insertstructured to substantially muffle ambient noise.
 11. An assembly asrecited in claim 1 wherein said processor is further structured toidentify a voice component of said ambient audio signal.
 12. An assemblyas recited in claim 11 wherein said processor is further structured totransmit said voice component of said ambient audio signal to said atleast one earpiece, and wherein said speaker assembly is structured anddisposed to audibly communicate said voice component to the wearer. 13.An assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a camera assembly,said camera assembly disposed and structured to pick up an outboundvisual signal and transmit said outbound visual signal to saidprocessor, said processor further structured and disposed to transmitsaid outbound visual signal.
 14. An assembly as recited in claim 1wherein said processor is further structured to receive an incomingvisual signal, and wherein said assembly further comprises a displayassembly, said display assembly disposed and structured to display saidincoming visual signal to the wearer.
 15. A communication eyewearassembly comprising: a frame assembly; at least one substantiallytransparent eye panel coupled to said frame assembly; said frameassembly structured to be supportably disposed on a wearer so as tomaintain said at least one eye panel disposed in a generally shieldingposition in front of the wearer's eyes; a processor coupled to saidframe assembly, said processor structured and disposed to receive anincoming audio signal; at least one earpiece structured to be disposedin wireless communication with said processor and further structured tobe disposed at one of the wearer's ears; an ambient microphone assemblydisposed and structured to pick up an ambient audio signal and transmitsaid ambient audio signal to said processor; said processor furtherstructured to enhance said incoming audio signal based on said ambientaudio signal; said processor further structured to transmit saidenhanced incoming audio signal to said at least one earpiece; said atleast one earpiece further comprising a speaker assembly structured anddisposed to audibly communicate said enhanced incoming audio signal tothe wearer, and a clip structured to removably secure said at least oneearpiece to said frame assembly in a stored orientation; an outboundmicrophone assembly disposed and structured to pick up an outbound audiosignal from the wearer and transmit said outbound audio signal to saidprocessor; said processor further structured to enhance said outboundaudio signal based on said ambient audio signal; and said processorfurther structured and disposed to transmit said enhanced outboundsignal.
 16. An assembly as recited in claim 15 wherein said ambientmicrophone assembly is coupled to said at least one earpiece.
 17. Anassembly as recited in claim 15 wherein said ambient microphone assemblyis coupled to said frame assembly.
 18. An assembly as recited in claim15 wherein said at least one earpiece is further structured tosubstantially muffle ambient noise.
 19. An assembly as recited in claim18 wherein at least a portion of said at least one earpiece isstructured to be inserted into the wearer's ear so as to substantiallymuffle ambient noise.
 20. An assembly as recited in claim 19 whereinsaid at least one earpiece comprises a disposable insert structured tosubstantially muffle ambient noise.
 21. An assembly as recited in claim15 wherein said at least one earpiece further comprises a rechargeableearpiece power supply structured and disposed to provide power to atleast said speaker assembly, and wherein said earpiece and said frameassembly are cooperatively structured to charge said rechargeableearpiece power supply when said at least one earpiece is disposed insaid stored orientation.
 22. An assembly as recited in claim 15 furthercomprising a camera assembly, said camera assembly disposed andstructured to pick up an outbound visual signal and transmit saidoutbound visual signal to said processor, said processor furtherstructured and disposed to transmit said outbound visual signal.
 23. Anassembly as recited in claim 15 wherein said processor is furtherstructured to receive an incoming visual signal, and wherein saidassembly further comprises a display assembly, said display assemblydisposed and structured to display said incoming visual signal to thewearer.
 24. A communication eyewear assembly comprising: a frameassembly; at least one substantially transparent eye panel coupled tosaid frame assembly; said frame assembly structured to be supportablydisposed on a wearer so as to maintain said at least one eye paneldisposed in a generally shielding position in front of the wearer'seyes; a processor coupled to said frame assembly, said processorstructured and disposed to receive an incoming audio signal; at leastone earpiece structured to be disposed in wireless communication withsaid processor and further structured to be disposed at one of thewearer's ears; said at least one earpiece further comprising arechargeable earpiece power supply structured and disposed to providepower to at least said speaker assembly, and wherein said earpiece andsaid frame assembly are cooperatively structured to charge saidrechargeable earpiece power supply when said at least one earpiece isdisposed in a stored orientation; an earpiece microphone assemblydisposed and structured to pick up an ambient audio signal and transmitsaid ambient audio signal to said processor; said processor is furtherstructured to enhance said incoming audio signal based on said ambientaudio signal; said processor further structured to transmit saidenhanced incoming audio signal to said at least one earpiece; said atleast one earpiece further comprising a speaker assembly structured anddisposed to audibly communicate said enhanced incoming audio signal tothe wearer; an outbound microphone assembly disposed and structured topick up an outbound audio signal from the wearer and transmit saidoutbound audio signal to said processor; said processor furtherstructured to enhance said outbound audio signal based on said ambientaudio signal; and said processor further structured and disposed totransmit said enhanced outbound audio signal.
 25. An assembly as recitedin claim 24 comprising a first earpiece structured to be disposed atfirst one of the wearer's ears and a second earpiece structured to bedisposed at second one of the wearer's ears.
 26. An assembly as recitedin claim 24 wherein said at least one earpiece is further structured tosubstantially muffle ambient noise.
 27. An assembly as recited in claim26 wherein at least a portion of said at least one earpiece isstructured to be inserted into the wearer's ear so as to substantiallymuffle ambient noise.
 28. An assembly as recited in claim 27 whereinsaid at least one earpiece comprises a disposable insert structured tosubstantially muffle ambient noise.
 29. An assembly as recited in claim24 further comprising an audio enhancement switch structured anddisposed to permit selective control of said enhancement of saidincoming audio signal.
 30. An assembly as recited in claim 24 furthercomprising an audio enhancement switch structured and disposed to permitselective control of said enhancement of said outbound audio signal. 31.An assembly as recited in claim 24 further comprising a camera assembly,said camera assembly disposed and structured to pick up an outboundvisual signal and transmit said outbound visual signal to saidprocessor, said processor further structured and disposed to transmitsaid outbound visual signal.
 32. An assembly as recited in claim 24wherein said processor is further structured to receive an incomingvisual signal, and wherein said assembly further comprises a displayassembly, said display assembly disposed and structured to display saidincoming visual signal to the wearer.